Electropneumatic work holder



Nov. 24, 1942. E. w. SHERMAN EQECTRO-PNEUMA'TIC WORKHOLDER Filed may 22 1940 4 Shee t s-Sheet a UuHll mM Mm 2, WW7 H m]. m. R

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Nov. '24, 1942. 1 E. W. SHERMAN ELECTRO- PNEUMATIC WORKHOLDER Filed May 22, 1940' 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ELBERT w. Z? AN fimz dw/ ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 24, 1942 ELECTROPNEUMATIC 'WOEK HOLDER Elbert W. Sherman, New York, N. Y., assignor to The Prosperity Company, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 22, 1940, Serial No. 336,621

(Cl. 38l3) 13 Claims.

The invention relates to a laundry or ironing press having a neckband workholder and a tail clamp workholder and also to a combination of the two workholders considered independently of the press. The invention also relates to the neckband workholder per se and the tail clamp workholder per se. Another feature of the invention lies in the workholder bracket upon which the neckband workholder and the tail clamp workholder are mounted.

It is an object of the'invention to construct a neckband workholder and tail clamp workholder combination such that the neckband workholder must first be operated into clamping position before the tail clamp workholder can be operated to its clamping position.

Another object of the invention is to construct a neckband workholder and tail clamp workholder combination in which a motor means is provided to obtain clamping action of the neckband workholder and the tail clamp workholder. The motor means for each workholder automatically operates to obtain clamping action when its respective workholder is manually moved to cooperative position and ready for clamping engagement with the work, and in addition the mechanism is such that the neckband workholder must be operated first, after which the tail clamp workholder may be swung into cooperative position, whereupon its motor means is automatically operated to obtain clamping action thereof.

Another object is to construct a neckband workholder and a tail clamp workholder, each having motor means for obtaining clamping action, both of which motor means are automatically released upon closing of the press.

A further object is to make a neckband workholder having motor means for obtaining clamping action of the workholder and which motor means is automatically released upon closing of the press.

A still further object is to make a tail clamp workholder having motor means for obtaining clamping action thereof and which motor means is automatically released upon closing of the press.

Another object is to construct .a new and novel bracket for a neckband clamp workholder and a tail clamp workholder.

Another object of the invention is to construct a neckband workholder having a motor means to obtain clamping action thereof, which motor means is automatically operated when the neckband clamp is manually moved into intermediate or cooperative position with respect to a neckband block mounted upon a stationary jaw of an ironing press.

Another object of the invention is to construct a new and novel tail clamp workholder which is provided with motor means to obtain clamping action thereof against a stationary jaw of an ironing press, which motor means is automatically operated when the tail clamp band is manually moved to cooperative or intermediate position over or lightly in contact with the stationary jaw of the press.

Other objects of the invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,

illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the neckband workholder and the tail clamp workholder secured to the frame of a laundry or ironing press and showing only the stationary jaw or buck of the press. The press table and frame are shown in section in order to more clearly illustrate the two workholders and their mounting upon the frame of the press. The two work holders are shown in open position.

Figure 2 is an enlarged section through the neckband'workholder and the tail clamp workholder, both of which are shown in clamping position. The two workholders are illustrated in longitudinal section in order to show the manner in whichthe fluid motor means obtains clamping action and to show the control means for the motor means. The valve means for controlling the fluid motor means is in section and the electrical circuit which operates the valve means, including its switches, is shown partially diagrammatically.

Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevation of the neckband workholder in open position. A partial section has been taken through the upper pivot in order to show the operation of a switch for automatically controlling the motor means.

Figur 4 is an enlarged front elevation of the neckband clamp workholder with the upper pivot in section after the neckband clamp has been moved to cooperative position with respect to a neckband block, post, or flange which is carried. upon the head end of the stationary jaw of a press. This section is through the switch operating means by which automatic clamping action of the neckband clamp is obtained.

Figure 5 is an enlarged horizontal section of the upper pivot of the neckband clamp workholder, taken on line 55 of Figure 4, and, shows the means by which automatic operation of a switch is obtained when the neckband clamp workholder has been moved to cooperative position and also shows the manual means for releasing the motor means for both this workholder and the tail clamp workholder.

Figure 6 is an enlarged end elevation of the tail clamp workholder a viewed from line 8-43 of Figure 2, and shows particularly the cooperation between the motor means and stationary lugs engaged by the motor means.

Figure 7 is a cross section, taken on line of Figure 2, through the fluid motor means and the control valve means by which automatic operation of the motor means is obtained when the tail clamp workholder has been manually moved into cooperative position just above or in 1ight contact with the tail end of the stationary jaw of a laundry or ironing press.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of a laundry press H and shows diagrammatically a switch and the operating means therefor for automatically releasing the motor means when the press closes.

The laundry or ironing press includes a base or frame is of any suitable form upon which is mounted a table H. A gcoseneck l2 supports a stationary jaw i3 above the table. So far as the invention herein is concerned, the gooseneck may be regarded as part of the press frame. A movable jaw I4 is carried upon a jaw lever which may be connected with power means or a press motor !5.

A neckband workholder bracket 16 is secured to the frame it in any suitable fashion such as by means of a collar H. The bracket I6 is underneath the table l! and extends towards the head end of the stationary jaw I3 and terminates at a point adjacent the end thereof. A tail clamp bracket I8 is secured to the frame H3 in any suitable fashion such as by a collar IS. The tail clamp bracket is located below the table I l and the stationary jaw i3 and extends towards the tail end of the jaw. The end of the tail clamp bracket is adjacent the tail end of the stationary jaw i3. Preferably the neckband workholder bracket and the tail clamp workholder bracket are the ends of a single workholder bar extending through the frame Iii of the laundry or ironing press. The workholder bar may be hollow or tubular for a purpose which will appear more fully hereinafter.

A neckband clamp block, post, or flange 23 is secured in any suitable fashion upon the head end of the stationary jaw. Referring to Figure 5, a neckband clamp 24, in the form of a thin band of metal bent into a loop shape, is secured to a pivot means including the end pieces and a pivot pin 26, the end pieces being fixed to the pivot pin such as by means of set screws 21. A handle 28 forms a part of one end piece 25 which is used to manually pivot the neckband clamp 24 towards and away from cooperative or preliminary position, as illustrated in Figure 4 where the neckband clamp is adjacent to the neckband clamp block 23, but not in clamping position thereagainst. The neckband of a shirt, whether of the neckband or collar attached style, is clamped between the block 23 and the clamp 24.

The hollow pivot pin 25 is pivotally supported by a pivot bearing 32 which is secured to the end of a tubular extension 29 in any suitable fashion such as by the screw 33. A pair of springs 34, one being provided upon each side of the pivot bearing 32, has one end secured to its adjacent end piece 25 and the other end secured to the pivot bearing 32. These springs are so tensioned when the neckband clamp is in cooperative position, that when the handle 28 is released, the neckband clamp 24 is raised by the springs to the position illustrated in Figures 1 and 3.

Th other or lower end of the tubular extension 29 is secured to a motor means cylinder which will be described more fully hereinafter. The cylinder is mounted upon a pivot pin 38 which is carried by a collar 39. The collar 39 is secured to the end of the neckband workholder bracket it in any suitable fashion, such as by bolts 49. The pivot pin 323 permits the swinging of the neckband clamp arm, formed by the pivot bearing 32, tubular extension 29 and motor means cylinder, to move towards and away from the head end of the stationary jaw l3. It is this movement of the neckband clamp arm which brings the neckband clamp 24 from cooperative position (Figur 4) into clamping position (Figure 2) against the neckband block 23. The mechanism described hereinbefore, which mounts the neckband clamp 24 for movement to and away from. cooperative or preliminary position and for movement to and away from clamping position against the neckband block 23, constitutes mounting means.

Motor means is associated with the mounting means to hold the neckband clamp 24 in operated position (Figure 2). The neckband clamp moves from cooperative position (Figure 4) to clamping position in contact with the neckband block 23 as illustrated in Figure 2. The motor means includes a cylinder 43 preferably carried upon the lower end of the neckband clamp arm. A piston 44 is mounted for movement in the cylinder. A spring 45 returns the piston to the lefthand end of the cylinder, as viewed in Figure 2, upon release of fluid pressurewithin the motor means. A piston rod 46 extends through one end of the cylinder 43 and is in alignment with an abutment 4'! when the neckband clamp 24' has been moved to cooperative or preliminary position as viewed in Figure 4. The abutment is mounted upon a screw 48 which is threadedly received in an extension 49 carried by the collar 39. The screw 48 permits adjustment of the position of the abutment 47 and a lock nut 50 fixes the adjustment. A fluid pressure connection 5! provides fluid pressure to the motor means or cylinder 43, which connection preferably passes through the neckband workholder bracket IE1 or workholder bar.

Means are provided for automatically controlling the operation of the neckband workholder motor means when the neckband clamp 24 has been manually operated to the position as illustrated in Figure 2. This means includes a control or valve means shown more clearly in Figure 2. The valve or control means includes a housing having an inlet connection 56, which is adapted to be connected with a source of fluid pressure, and an exhaust port 51. A connection 58 connects the valve means with the fluid connection 5| to the neckband workholder motor means. An inlet valve 59 controls the flow of fluid from the inlet connection through the valve casing to the connection 58, and an exhaust valve 69 controls the exhaust of fluid from the motor means to the exhaust port 57. These two valves are connected together so that they act in unison. The control or valve means shown is illustrative only, and any suitable means is contemplated. As will appear more fully hereinafter, this first valve means constitutes a main valve means for controlling the release of two motor means.

An electric circuit is preferably used to control the operation of the valve means. This electric circuit includes a solenoid 63, energization of'which forces an armature 64 downwardly. The

armature is secured to a stem 65 carrying the inlet valve 59 and the exhaust valve 60. Upon deenergization of the solenoid 63, a spring 66 returns the inlet valve 59 to closed position and the exhaust valve 60 to open position.

Energization of the solenoid 63 is controlled by a switch 61 which may be mounted in the upper end of the neckband clamp arm, or particularly in the upper end of the tubular extension 29 which extends into the pivot bearing 32, so that the switch is adjacent to the pivot means 26.

This switch is normally open and is connected,

with the neckband clamp 24 in such a manner that when the neckband clamp is moved to the position with respect to the neckband block 23, as illustrated in Figure 2, the switch is closed whereupon solenoid 63 is energized, the inlet valve 59 is opened, the exhaust valve 66 is closed, and the neckband workholder motor means receives fluid pressure or is energized. When the motor means operates, the end of the piston rod 46 pushes against the abutment 41 so that the neckband clamp 24 is held in its operated or clamping position engaging the neckband block 23. The neckband of a shirt, whether of the collar attached or neckband style, is gripped between the neckband clamp 24 and the neckband block 23.

The mechanism, by which automatic actuation of the neckband clamp motor means is accomplished upon manual movement of the neckband clamp 24 from position in Figure 1 to cooperative position shown in Figure 4 and then to the position shown in Figure 2, may be of any suitable construction. The construction particularly illustrated includes a spring element which has one end thereof secured by any suitable means, such as the rivets 'H, to any adjacent structure, such as the switch 61. The other end normally engages the hollow pivot pin 26, as shown in Figure 3. The pivot pin 26 has a notch 12 which is so located that when the neckband clamp 24 has been manually moved to cooperative position as shown in Figure 4, the spring element '10 moves into the notch 12 but not until the clamp has been shifted laterally to position shown in Figure 2 will the switch 61 be operated. Upon closing of the switch 61, the solenoid 63 is energized and the valve means is operated to feed fluid pressure to the motor means, whereupon the neckband clamp arm 29 is held in operated position by the motor means holding clamp 24 against block 23 as shownin Figure 2.

Manual means is provided to release the neckband clamping means after it has once been moved to clamping position by the neckband clamp motor means. The means particularly illustrated includes a'push pin 15 which is mounted for slidable movement within the pivot pin 26. A spring 16 normally keeps the push pin to the left, as shown in Figure 5. The push pin has a notch 11 which corresponds in location with the notch 12 in the pivot pin 26 so that the sprin element 10 will have ample movement to close the switch 61. One end of the notch 11 provides an inclined surface 19. If it is desired to release the motor means after it has once been automatically operated as described hereinbefore, the'knob '18 upon theend of the push pin 15 is pushed inwardly, whereupon the inclined surface 19 moves to the right, as shown in Figure 5, and pushes the spring element 10 upwardly, as shown in Figure 5, or to the left, as viewed in Figure 4, whereupon the switch 61 opens under the pressure of a spring within the switch itself. A stop pin 80, which is movable in a slot 8| in the pivot pin 26, limits the movement of the push pin 15 and also keeps the notch 11 in the push pin in alignment with the notch 12 in the pivot pin 26. i

It is desirable to have means which automatically releases the neckband clamp motor means when the movable jaw M has moved into contact with the stationary jaw l3 to close the press. In other words, after the press has closed, the neckband clamp workholder has performed its function of holding the neckband of a shirt in place, after which the workholder may be released. This does not necessarily mean that the neckband clamp workholder returns to its initial position since it may be held in closed position by the movable jaw. However, the motor means has been exhausted so that the workholder is released, and upon opening of the press, the workholder may be returned to its initial position. The automatic release for the motor means of the neckband clamp workholder also releases the motor means for the tail clamp workholder which will be described hereinafter.

The means which automatically releases the workholders, or the motor means therefor, includes a normally closed switch 65 which is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in Figures 2 and 8. Any suitable connection'may be made between the switch 85 and the movable jaw I4 of the press so that when the press closes, the switch 85 is opened. The means particularly illustrated includes a projection 86 carried by the jaw lever 20 which engages a switch arm 88 and breaks the contacts of the switch 85 just when the press jaws are closed. Opening of the switch 85 breaks the flow of electrical current to the solenoid 63 so that it becomes de-energized, whereupon the spring 66 in the valve means closes the inlet valve 59 and opens the exhaust valve 60.

' Means may be provided to prevent the pivoted neckband clamp arm from moving too far to the left. This means includes a stop link 9|, Figures 3 and 4, which is pivotally secured to the arm by means of a bolt 92. The other end of the stop link carries a slot 93 in which a bolt 94 is'free to slide, which bolt is secured to the extension 49. The slot 93 permits pivotal movement of the neckband clamp arm about the pivot 38, but limits the movement of the arm so that it can not swing too far to the left, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The tail clamp workholder includes a tail clamp band I00 which is secured in any suitable fashion-t0 a U-shaped holder IEJI so that the tail clamp band may swing over the endof the stationary jaw l3 and engage the jaw at a distance from the tail end thereof as illustrated in Figure 2. A handle I02 is secured to the U- shaped holder l0! for manually moving the tail clamp band into and away from cooperative or intermediate position with respect to the stato secure the U-shaped holder between the two parts of the clamp. The clamp may be of any suitable construction. The adjusting clamp I permits angular adjustment of the tail clamp band I00 or particularly of the U-shaped holder IOI with respect to the clamp I00. The adjusting clamp I04 is also adjustably mounted upon the end of the extension I03 and secured in adjusted. position by means of a bolt I08. The angular position of the U-shaped holder I'0I may be adjusted at will in two directions or about two different axes with this construction.

The extension I03 is secured to a motor means which will be described more fully hereinafter, or particularly to the cylinder of a fluid motor, which cylinder is pivotally mounted upon a pivot I05. The pivot is carried by a collar E06 which is secured upon the end of the tail clamp workholder bracket I0 in any suitable fashion such as by the bolts I01. The U-shaped holder l0I, adjustable clamp I04, extension :00, and the motor means cylinder form a tail clamp which is pivoted or swingable upon the pivot I05. The mechanism described, which supports the tail clamp band I00 for movement from initial position, as shown in Figure 1, to clamping position, as shown in Figure 2, and returns to its initial position, constitutes supporting means for the tail clamp band.

A motor means is associated with the tail clamp workholder to move the tail clamp band I00 from cooperative or preliminary position adjacent to or in light contact with the stationary jaw I3 to clamping position in clamping contact therewith. Any suitable motor means may be utilized and may be associated with the supporting means for the tail clamp band in any suit able manner. The motor means particularly illustrated is a fiuid motor means having a cylinder I I2 which also forms a part of the neckband clamp arm, as previously described. A piston H3 is slidably mounted within the cylinder and a spring I I0 pushes the piston I I3 to the left orreleased position, as viewed in Figure 2, upon exhausting of fluid pressure thereagainst. The piston is secured to a piston rod I I5 which carries a large disk IIB upon the outer end thereof. Thislarge disk engages an abutment which is carried. by the collar E05, and the abutment and the large round disk are so formed that the latter may turn to any position and yet engage the abutment when the motor means is energized. The abutment in fact includes a pair of fingers H! which project inwardly and are engaged by the disk I I3, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

Means are provided to automatically energize the motor means after the tail clamp band I00 has been manually moved to cooperative or preliminary position just above or in light contact with the stationary jaw It. Energization of the motor means for the tail clamp workholder brings the tail clamp band I00 into clamping engagement with the stationary jaw. Any suitable automatic means may be utilized, that particularly illustrated including a valve means shown in Figure 7. The valve means includes a casing I20 having an inlet connection or pipe I2I which is connected with the pipe 50,-as shown in. Figure 2, and a connection or pipe I22 leading to the interior of the cylinder II2.. The casing also has an exhaust port I23. An inlet valve I24 controls the feeding of fluid pressure to the fluid motor means and an exhaust valve. I25 controls the exhaust of fluid from the motor means. A spring I26 normally tends to keep the inlet valve closed and the exhaust valve open.

The valve means for the motor means for the tail clamp workholder is automatically operated when the tail clamp workholder has been man.- ually moved to. cooperative position with respect to the stationary jaw I3. This means includes a valve operating cam I30 which is mounted upon an adjusting screw I3I and secured in adjusted position by a lock nut I32. The valve operating cam I30 is secured to the collar I06 in any suitable fashion such as by means of a strap I33 having slots I35 through each of which a bolt or screw I36 passes so that the position of the cam I30 may be adjusted, and hence permit adjustment as to the time or position of the tail clamp band I00 when the motor means is operated.

The control means, or particularly the valve means for the motor means of the tail clamp workholder, operates in a manner now to be described. The tail clamp band I00 is swung from its position, as illustrated in Figure 1, free of the end of the stationary jaw I3 to cooperative position over the tail end of the stationary jaw I3, as shown in Figure 8, by manually grasping the handle I02 and swinging the same on the pivot I05 to cooperative position. Since the motor means for the tail clamp workholder and its control or valve means are mounted upon the tail clamp arm in the illustrated embodiment, the motor means and valve means move therewith until a knob I34, carried by the combined inlet valve I24 and exhaust valve I 25, engages the cam I30, whereupon the exhaust valve is closed, and the inlet valve is opened. The knob is engaged by the cam when the tail clamp band is adjacent to or in light contact with the jaw I3. Operation of this valve means feeds fluid pressure to the cylinder IIZ, whereupon the piston H3 and disk IIB move upwardly, as shown in Figure 2, or downwardly, as illustrated in Figure 7, to engage the abutment formed by the fingers III. Upon the disk II6 engaging the abutting fingers II'I, the tail clamp arm, formed by the U-shaped holder IOI, extension I03 and motor cylinder H2, is forced in a counterclockwise direction, as i1lustrated in Figure 2, to bring the tail clamp band I00 into clamping engagement with the stationary jaw. A piece of work, such as the tail of a shirt, is gripped between the jaw and the tail clamp band.

When the movable jaw I4 moves into contact with the stationary jaw I3 to close the press, the switch is opened as heretofore explained. Opening of the switch 85 de-energizes the solenoid 63, whereupon the inlet valve 59, shown in Figure 2, closes and the exhaust valve 60 opens. Opening of the exhaust valve 60 exhausts the motor means for the tail clamp workholder as well as the motor means for the neckband workholder. Since the movable jaw I4 rests upon the tail clamp band I00, exhausting of the motor means for the tail clamp workholder merely releases the tail clamp workholder, and the movable jaw holds it in position in contact with the stationary jaw I3. When the movable jaw I4 moves upwardly to open the press, however, the tail clamp band I00 may be moved to its initial position as illustrated in Figure 1. This may be accomplished without the intervention of the operator by a spring I31, one end of which is secured to a suitable point, such as the frame I0, and the other end is secured to an arm I38 which. in turn is secured to the pivot pin I05 so that when the tail clamp band I00 is released, the spring I31 pulls the tail clamp-workholder to its initial position. The spring I31 may, if desired, be tensioned sufficiently so that it serves merely as a counterbalance and does not return the tail clamp workholder to released position away from the stationary jaw.

The second valve means, namely the control means for the tail clamp motor means, is in series with the first or main control valve means in the casing 55, which arrangement positively requires that the neckband clamp workholder must be in clamping position with respect to the neckband block or post '23 before the tail clamp motor means can be opened. Because of this control arrangement, the operator can not reverse the proper sequence of operations, but must first operate the neckband clamp workholder before the tail clamp workholder is operated. This construction or control arrangement assures proper sequence in the operation of the workholders.

This invention is presented to fill a need for improvement in a laundry press with collar holder and tail clamp. It is understood that various modifications in structure, as well as changes in mode of operation, assembly, and manner of use, may and often do occur to those skilled in the art, especially after benefiting from the teachings of an invention. I-Ie'nce, it will be understood that this disclosure is illustrative of preferred means of embodying the invention in useful form by explaining the construction, operation and advantages thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In an ironing press including a frame, up per and lower pressing elements, the upper element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element manually movable into a preliminary operative position relative to the lower pressing element, power motor means for moving and holding the same in final clamping operative position, means operated by the preliminary movement for controlling the flow of power to the motor means, and means controlled by the closing of the upper pressing element to release the workholder as the upper pressing element approaches final closed position with the lower pressing element, whereby when the press opens, the work-holder is free to return to its inoperative position, and means tending to return the workholder to its inoperative position.

2. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element manually movable into a preliminary operative position relative to the lower pressing element,-power motor means for moving and holding the same in final clamping operative position, means operated by the preliminary movement controlling the flow of power to the motor means, means controlled by the closing of the upper pressing element to release the power motor means from the power and hence release the workholder as the upper pressing element approaches a final closed position relative to the lower pressing element, whereby when the press opens the workholder is free to return to its inoperative position, means tending to return the workholder to its inoperative position, and manual means operable to release the power motor means and hence the workholder after it has been moved into final clamping position and while the press is open.

3; In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lowe'rpressing elements, the upper pressing element bein movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element and initially manually movable into cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power motor connected to move the workholder into a final clampingcooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power and control system therefor including a-control member operable by the manual movement of the workholder to effect the supply of power to the'motor.

4. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a work holder shiftable into and. out of coaction with the lower pressing element, manually movable into a preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power motor connected to the workholder and operable to shift the workholder into a finalclamping cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power and control system therefor including a control member ciperable by the movement of the workholder into preliminary cooperative position relative to thelower pressin element to effect the supply of power'to the motor, and manually operable means for operating the control member to release the workholder when the control member has been automatically operated by the manual movement of the workholder into preliminary cooperative position.

5. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper element element, manually movable into a preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power motor connected to the workholder and operable to shift the workholder into a final clamping cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power and control system therefor including a control member operable by the movement of the workholder into preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element to effect the supply of power to the motor, manually operable means for operating the control member to release the power motor and hence the holder when the control member has been automatically operated by the movement of the workholder into preliminary and closed position, means controlled by the closing movement of the upper pressing element to release the power motor, whereby when the press opens the workholder is free to return to its inoperative position, and means tending to return and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder including a swinging carrier arm pivoted to the frame and a work clamping member pivotally connected to the carrier arm, the workholder being manually movable into a preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, and the work clamping member being pivotally movable relative to the carrier arm during such movement, a power motor connected to the carrier arm and operable to shift the workholder into a final clamping cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power and control system including a control member located at the pivotal axis of the carrier arm and the work clamping member operable by the movement of the workholder and the work clamping member thereof into the preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element to control the supply of power to the motor, and a manual operating member located at the pivotal axis of the carrier arm and work clamping member for operating the control member to effect the release of the power from the motor when the workholder is in operative position to the lower pressing element.

'7. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, th upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder including a swinging carrier arm pivoted to the frame and a clamping member pivotally connected to the swinging arm, the workholder being manually movable into a preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element and the work clamping member being pivotally movable relative to the swinging carrier arm during such movement, a power motor connected to the swinging carrier arm and operable to shift the workholder into a final clamping cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power and control system including a control member operable by the movement of the workholder and the clamping member thereof into a preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element to control the supply of power to the motor, a manual operating member for operating the control member to effect the release of the power from the motor when the workholder is in operative position to the lower pressing element while the press is open, means operable by the closing movement of the upper pressing element to automatically release the motor, whereby when the press opens, the workholder is free to return to its inoperative position, and means tending to return the workholder to its inoperative position.

8. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, actuating mechanism for eiiecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a work holder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, manually movable into a pretrol member operable by the movement of the workholder in a preliminary position relative to the lower pressing element to permit the power to be supplied to the motor, said motor being pressure operated, the power system being a conduit for a motive fluid and the control member a combined intake and exhaust valve in the conduit and normally arranged closed to the flow of fluid to the motor and means operable by the movement of the workholder into preliminary cooperative position to open the valve.

9. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, manually movable into a preliminary operative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power motor mounted to move the workholder into a final clamping operative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power system therefor including a control member operable by the movement of the workholder in a preliminary position relative to the lower pressing element to permit the power to be supplied to the motor, said motor including a cylinder carried by the workholder, a piston therein, and a spring for resisting movement of the piston, the piston having a rod and a fixed abutment on the frame coacting with the end of the piston rod, the power system being a conduit and the control member a combined intake and exhaust valve in the conduit and mounted for movement with the work-holder, the valve being normally arranged closed to the flow of fluid to the motor and means located in the path of a portion of the valve to open the same during the movement of the valve with the workholder as the workholder approaches preliminary operative position.

10. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, manually movable into a preliminary operative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power motor connected to the workholder and operable to shift and hold the workholder in final clamping cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element, a power *and control system therefor including a control member operable by the movement of the workholder into preliminary cooperative position relative to the lower pressing element to supply power to the motor, a second control member in said system and normally in position to permit the .power to flow therethrough and being in series with theformer control member, and means operable by the closing of the upper pressing element as it approaches a position close to the lower pressing element to operate the second control member to cut off the flow of power and thereby release the workholder, so that it is free to return to inoperative position when the press opens.

'11. In an ironing press including a frame, .upper and lower pressing elements, the upper element being movable into'and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing "element; the combination of a workholder shiftable into and out of coaction with the lower pressing element, manually movable into a preliminary operative position relative to the lower pressin element, a pressure operated motor, a supply system therefor including a combined intake and exhaust valve normally arranged with the exhaust valve open and the intake closed, electrically operated means for operating the valve, a circuit therefor, a normally open control switch in the circuit operable to closed position by the movement of the workholder into preliminary operative position, a normally closed switch in said circuit in series with the former switch, and means operable by the closing of the upper pressing element to open the normally closed switch, as the upper pressing element approaches closed position.

12. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressing element; the combination of a pair of successively operable workholders coacting with the lower pressing element, operator movable from inoperative to preliminary cooperative position relatively to the lower pressing element, power motors for the workholders respectively for moving the workholders into final operative clamping position, each motor being controlled by the movement of its respective workholder into preliminary operative position, a power system for said power motors, and a control for said system including a control member operable by the movement of one only of the workholders into preliminary cooperative closed position, means operated by said control member for controlling the flow of power through the system to both motors, and means operated by the manual operation thereof to additionally control the flow of power to the motor for said other workholder, all whereby the successive operation of the motors is insured in a predetermined sequence.

13. In an ironing press including a frame, upper and lower pressing elements, the upper pressing element being movable into and out of coaction with the lower element, and actuating mechanism for effecting the operation of the upper pressin element; the combination of a pair of successively operable workholders coacting with the lower pressing element, operator movable from inoperative to preliminary cooperative position relatively to the lower pressing element, power motors for the workholders respectively for moving the workholders into final operative clamping position, each motor being controlled by the movement of its respective workholder into preliminary operative position, a power system for said power motors, a control for said system including a control member operable by the movement of one only of the workholders into preliminary cooperative closed position, means operated by said control member for controlling the flow of power through the system to both motors, means operated by the manual operation thereof to additionally control the flow of power to the motor for said other wo-rkholder, all whereby the successive operation of the motors is insured in a predetermined sequence, said control member being a normally open switch in an electric feed circuit having electromagnetic means therein, the additional control means being a valve, said electromagnetic means being operable to control said valve, and the motors being pressure fluid operated, the valve being connected in multiple with the motors, and the means operated by the manual operation of the other workholder to control the flow of fluid to the motor for that workholder being a normally closed valve opened by the preliminary operation of that workholder.

ELBERT W. SHERMAN. 

